Syrian tanned leathers in demand worldwide

Damascene oriental leather industry is an ancient craft in which Syrian craftsmen excel and by developing this craft they have kept their place in the world leather industry .

“Leather industry is a handicraft heritage in which the animals’ tanned leathers of different kinds and sizes are used for making shoes, belts,  bags and accessories….In the past there were 50 craftsmen making shoes from leather; however, now there are a few craftsmen due to the fact that the current generation and the previous one had no patience to work for 15-16 hours/ daily to make 2 pieces in one day,” Mr. Bassam Al-Saidawi, a craftsman in the oriental leather manufacturing told Syria Times during an interview with him in his small shop in Takiyya Sulaymaniyya in Damascus.

He added that leather industry is a primitive craft and it is still a handcraft in spite of its development through ages, pointing out that manufacturing leathers takes a long time because it is passing through several stages.

Mr. Al-Saidawi, who is the master of this craft, clarified that he has been working on it since 58 years, when he was 7 years old, and he inherited it from his father and grandparents, who worked on it in Al-Hamedeyeh market a 100 years ago.

He taught the craft, which requires patience, accuracy, and perfection in work, to his sons, daughters, and wife.

The craftsman asserted that the Damascene oriental leathers are characterized by their decorations and drawings that are inspired from environment and historical and civilized features.

Mr. Al-Saidawi concluded by saying: “ Syrian tanned leathers are well known globally and the Syrian oriental leathers compete other tanned leathers in the world. We were exporting our products all over the world and they were demanded in all countries because of our distinguished way of tanning leathers, but now the exportation of our products has completely stopped because the countries banned importing leather products from Syria with the aim of protecting their industry of leather.”

His products are displayed in one of the halls of Al-Azem Palace and in a number of shops in the Al-Hamedeyeh market and on the side of the Umayyad Mosque,

Damascene handmade leather products are still among the most amazing gifts that could be presented in several occasions in the country and abroad.

Interviewed by : Basma Qaddour